Blog – Eagan Dentist | Dentist Eagan MN | Eagan Dental Clinic | Cedar Cliff Dental Centerhttp://cedarcliffdental.com
Your Local Invisalign SpecialistMon, 26 Sep 2016 00:26:24 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.1Metal Free Dentistryhttp://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/07/24/metal-free-dentistry/
http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/07/24/metal-free-dentistry/#respondWed, 24 Jul 2013 18:22:23 +0000http://cedarcliffdental.com/?p=2877Among holistic dentists, there has been a theme of pushing for better biocompatible materials. The hope is that there will be minimal impact on the human body as a result of having restorative materials placed. The largest concerns likely stem from having amalgam fillings in the mouth, which have been located in trace amounts in […]

]]>Among holistic dentists, there has been a theme of pushing for better biocompatible materials. The hope is that there will be minimal impact on the human body as a result of having restorative materials placed. The largest concerns likely stem from having amalgam fillings in the mouth, which have been located in trace amounts in other portions of the body. As a result of the concern about amalgam fillings in the mouth and other medical biocompatibility concerns, there seems to be a push to eliminate metal from dental restoration materials with the idea that the metal is not an ideal biocompatible material.

Common Dental Materials

Despite the concern some have for metal free dentistry, the field seems to still have many of it’s materials metal based. The following materials have been used in varying amounts over the years:

Some have started using zirconia as a material for implants to replace titanium. Their claim is that zirconia is not only biocompatible but that it is osseointegrative and might retain less plaque and calculus than titanium.

Conclusion

Fortunately there are areas of improvement for future dental materials. The sought after resolution of biocompatible materials would be excellent, unfortunately it might not be as ideal as we hope. Although major improvements have been made, trace metals are still used for coloring and zirconium (the base of zirconia) is right below titanium on the periodic table of elements meaning that it is technically metal based. Titanium implants have been used for an extended period of time and have been proven to provide amazing osseointegration resulting in strong long lasting treatments. Some are concerned that the materials used will negatively interact with the human body however, while the standards for biocompatible materials are not defined, precautions can be taken to avoid materials that have higher potential to do harm.

]]>http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/07/24/metal-free-dentistry/feed/0Dental Materials: Porcelain vs. Compositehttp://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/07/18/dental-materials-porcelain-vs-composite/
http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/07/18/dental-materials-porcelain-vs-composite/#respondThu, 18 Jul 2013 18:29:17 +0000http://cedarcliffdental.com/?p=2863If you have recently been to the dentist for treatment, chances are you have been thrown into a whirlwind of information about dental materials. You’re likely confused on what might be the best decision for you. What are the common materials used for standard procedures? What are the benefits of each? For the specifics on […]

]]>If you have recently been to the dentist for treatment, chances are you have been thrown into a whirlwind of information about dental materials. You’re likely confused on what might be the best decision for you. What are the common materials used for standard procedures? What are the benefits of each? For the specifics on some of these questions, and how they apply to you, you will likely have to consult with your dentist, however, we want to clear up some of the confusion you may have so that you can make the most informed decision concerning your future treatment.

The Basics

There are specific brands, models and methods of placing each material, but in general most restorative materials fall into the following categories:

– Amalgam – This is a mixture of several metals, ~50% mercury, ~25% silver, other trace materials. This continues to be the most common dental filling material despite the mercury content controversy.

– Composite – This is a mixture of glass like particles and a plastic resin material that are most often hardened by light.

– Porcelain – You need to be aware that some refer to ceramic glass as porcelain. Porcelain is a ceramic material with a clay (kaolin) base that is heated and cooled to maximize its strength.

Why one over the other?

Your natural materials are the best, which means that by restoring your teeth you are sacrificing something in relation to your original tooth structure. Duration of materials in the mouth depends largely on their make-up. The coefficient of thermal expansion of each material plays a key part in its ability to last while still providing quality performance. As the materials experience temperature and pressure changes, they have the potential to expand/compact or even transfer forces to the surrounding materials. Over extended periods of time this may, depending on the material, cause it to change or break down surrounding structures. Here is a summary of the mentioned categories:

– Amalgam – This is a sturdy structure and the material can last quite awhile. Unfortunately because the coefficient of thermal expansion of amalgam is different than that of enamel, it can transfer forces from chewing or biting to the test of the tooth, potentially causing the tooth to break. This does not bond with the tooth itself which can lead to the development of decay below the filling itself.

– Composite – This material also differs in its coefficient of thermal expansion. It does claim to bond with the enamel, hopefully eliminating the potential for decay between the enamel and the restoration structure. Under compression this material distorts different than enamel, which in our experience has been seen to break the bond between the restoration and the enamel structure. Typically these materials last 7-10 years. If these need to be replaced often, you loose more and more of your tooth with each replacement.

– Porcelain – This material is the closest in its behavior to that of enamel that is currently being used in the dental field. It really is the best in the world. Because it behaves similarly to enamel, the bond between the enamel and the porcelain does not break down. It maintains the health of the tooth by avoiding the transfer of forces to the rest of the tooth. Porcelain is strongest when it is in compression making it the ideal material for most dental purposes.

With a holistic approach of conserving the most natural tooth structure as possible, porcelain is the recommended materials for many tooth restorations.

Contact us to set up an appointment to get the best holistic services available.

]]>http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/07/18/dental-materials-porcelain-vs-composite/feed/0Dental Materials: Mercury Fillings Part IIhttp://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/07/09/dental-materials-mercury-fillings-part-ii/
http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/07/09/dental-materials-mercury-fillings-part-ii/#respondTue, 09 Jul 2013 17:45:37 +0000http://cedarcliffdental.com/?p=2841So, you’ve got some mercury fillings in your teeth. You might question the benefits they provide for your teeth and the impact they could have on the rest of your body had you been properly informed at the time of treatment. We assume you know some of the potential risks associated with mercury (if not […]

]]>So, you’ve got some mercury fillings in your teeth. You might question the benefits they provide for your teeth and the impact they could have on the rest of your body had you been properly informed at the time of treatment. We assume you know some of the potential risks associated with mercury (if not click here), and hope to inform you so that, should you have a desire to treat your amalgam fillings, you will know the ideal way to seek treatment.

Why I should remove my mercury fillings?

Despite the fact that amalgam fillings contain mercury, which is a potential health risk, their removal could be the start of important preventative care. Because amalgam fillings are sturdy, they can transfer force loads to the tooth structure which can accelerate further decay and even break the tooth. Many dentists would say that teeth have different colors due to the amalgam filling presence, however, the filling itself has no impact on the color of the natural tooth indicating that discoloration of teeth with amalgam fillings comes from elsewhere (potentially decay or other damage to the tooth).

Where should I get my mercury fillings removed?

It is important not only to remove the amalgam fillings but to remove them safely. Holistic dentists profess to remove amalgam fillings for the entire body benefit, but it is important to select a holistic dentist that follows safe amalgam removal procedures such as those suggested by IAOMT. It is important to learn how the dentist you select approaches holistic issues similar to safe amalgam removal. See Cedar Cliff Dental for an example of what you should look for.

What materials should be used in my teeth?

Before you get distracted with the financial/insurance aspect, keep in mind that this preventative care could save you from fixing more serious problems in the future. Common replacement materials are composite and porcelain, while others such as gold are not frequently used. Porcelain is the most similar to your natural tooth structure in that it expands and contracts almost identically to the enamel materials surrounding it. This trait makes porcelain last longer and maintain the overall health of your teeth. Composites are less durable and may need to be replaced more frequently. Each time a filling needs to be replaced, small amounts of enamel need to be taken out so long term use of composites might not optimize oral health as best as possible.

]]>http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/07/09/dental-materials-mercury-fillings-part-ii/feed/0Dental Materials: Mercury Fillings Part Ihttp://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/07/02/dental-materials-mercury-filing/
http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/07/02/dental-materials-mercury-filing/#respondTue, 02 Jul 2013 18:24:19 +0000http://cedarcliffdental.com/?p=2832Amalgam fillings (or often called silver or mercury fillings because of their color and composition) and their potential health hazard have been one of the large debates in the dental field for quite some time. Unfortunately it is easy to get confused with all the information posted on the topic. Although we do not profess […]

]]>Amalgam fillings (or often called silver or mercury fillings because of their color and composition) and their potential health hazard have been one of the large debates in the dental field for quite some time. Unfortunately it is easy to get confused with all the information posted on the topic. Although we do not profess to be the authority on the issue of amalgam fillings, we would like to provide a clear summary for those interested in understanding the potential risks and hopefully to aid them in making a well informed decision concerning their dental treatment.

What are amalgam fillings?

When a portion of a tooth is missing due to a cavity, decay, or even trauma, the damaged portion is replaced in an effort to best restore the structure and function to that of the original tooth. Amalgam is a filling material that has been used extensively for many years that is approximately 50% mercury, 25% silver and other metal components. These were initially made because of their ability to easily provide a durable filling material at a low cost.

Potential Risk?

Many are concerned with the fact that amalgam fillings contain mercury – a well known metal that, at certain doses, has adverse health effects. The mercury contained in amalgam fillings is elemental mercury that can release vapors. In certain studies, trace amounts of mercury have been found in multiple organs in the body such as the lungs, kidney, stomach and others.

Why are many dentists still using amalgam fillings if they have a potential risk?

Although the topic is well known, many dentists ignore the potential risks that come with the use of amalgam fillings. No definitive statements suggesting the discontinuation of mercury use in filling material has been made by the ADA (American Dental Association) or the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). The reputation of these and others that promote amalgam use is potentially on the line for allowing the risks to exist. Our concern is that most of those that have amalgam fillings were not given a choice to avoid the mercury filling and did not discuss the benefits of the available alternatives.

A good holistic dentist will not sacrifice the patients potential overall health and strives to inform them of alternatives that will both increase their oral health and avoid the risk of amalgam use.

If you are concerned about your amalgam fillings, see Part II for treatment recommendations.

]]>http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/07/02/dental-materials-mercury-filing/feed/0Believe in Holistic: Fluoridated waterhttp://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/06/24/believe-in-holistic-fluoridated-water/
http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/06/24/believe-in-holistic-fluoridated-water/#respondMon, 24 Jun 2013 08:15:24 +0000http://cedarcliffdental.com/?p=2805As a continuation from last week and the talk about holistic dentistry, this week touches on the subject of fluoridated water and its application to the topic of holistic dental care. Keep in mind from the previous week that there is a potential disconnect between the idea of the delivery of optimal dental health care […]

]]> As a continuation from last week and the talk about holistic dentistry, this week touches on the subject of fluoridated water and its application to the topic of holistic dental care. Keep in mind from the previous week that there is a potential disconnect between the idea of the delivery of optimal dental health care and the actual practice of providing such care.

We could go in depth and talk about pH levels and how fluoride potentially balances out acid producing bacteria called plaque but we will just go over how fluoridated water ties into the holistic vs. traditional dental work topic. We do not profess to be the overall authority on all medical topics but common sense and good judgment go a long way.

Just to inform you of some basics on fluoride, check out some interesting information about fluoride toxicity to see how it could be potentially harmful. The fact is, although it may have positive effects on oral health, fluoride can have some pretty unfortunate effects on the rest of the body. Would you choose to have the possibility of plaque protection at the potential risk of having other problems with your health? We’ll let you can answer that question for yourself.

In recent news, Portland actually took the initiative to vote against having fluoridated water. This was not the first time occurrence but has been voted on multiple times. The goal is that by having fluoride in the water it will, via ingestion, come through a systemic route to improve the health of the teeth. From a biological standpoint it is hard to see how low levels of fluoride in water will go directly to the teeth and strengthen the enamel. With this in mind, the use of fluoride in direct application to the tooth is likely to cause similar problems.

Just as Portland and others make the effort to optimize their overall health by eliminating fluoride, choosing a fluoride free dentist won’t just help your dental health, but your overall health as well. Check out how we extend fluoride free dental services near the twin cities or look for a holistic dentist near you.

]]>http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/06/24/believe-in-holistic-fluoridated-water/feed/0Retention Is For Lifehttp://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/03/26/retention-is-for-life/
http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/03/26/retention-is-for-life/#respondTue, 26 Mar 2013 18:07:52 +0000http://cedarcliffdental.com/?p=2372The realization that your retainers no longer fit is a very unpleasant experience. After spending thousands of dollars on orthodontic treatment the last thing that you want is to have your teeth shift. I, among many of my peers, did not take my dentist’s advice seriously when he told me that I was going to […]

]]>The realization that your retainers no longer fit is a very unpleasant experience. After spending thousands of dollars on orthodontic treatment the last thing that you want is to have your teeth shift. I, among many of my peers, did not take my dentist’s advice seriously when he told me that I was going to be wearing my retainers for the remainder of my life. After pulling my retainers out of storage, dusting them off, and then soaking them in hydrogen peroxide for a night I attempted to coax them on my upper teeth. No such luck; the retainers felt as tight as when I first had my braces on! I struggled with my retainers for two weeks, doing my best to deal with the soreness, but in the end the retainers won the battle.

Though the shifting in my teeth was not significant, my experience with my retainers indicates that my teeth are moving and poses the question of how much they will move over time.

One of the first things that we tell our patients when they inquire about Invisalign is that they will need to purchase Vivera retainers at the conclusion of their treatment. It is absolutely vital that these retainers are worn as directed. Vivera is a clear thermoplastic retainer that is designed to be used at the end of your Invisalign treatment. If you have not gone through the Invisalign process it can be made from a PVS impression which means it can be used at the end of any other orthodontic treatment. Unlike many other retainers that may become misshaped or deformed in a matter of months, Vivera uses a series of four sets of retainers. These retainers are then shipped over time and are designed to accommodate each patient’s unique retention needs.

Cedar Cliff Dental Center stands by the Vivera product because it offers our patients a precise, smooth and comfortable fit. If you are thinking about orthodontic treatment Vivera should be your next thought. Treatment requires time, energy and money; don’t let all of that effort go to waste by not investing in these specially designed retainers. And do not forget; retention is for life.

]]>http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/03/26/retention-is-for-life/feed/0Inlays and Onlayshttp://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/03/21/inlays-and-onlays/
http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/03/21/inlays-and-onlays/#respondThu, 21 Mar 2013 18:54:16 +0000http://cedarcliffdental.com/?p=2767Like we mentioned in our previous article, your teeth will wear down sometimes as you get older. Problems such as cavities will occur when poor brushing habits or even just general wear and tear are involved. One of the most common solutions to problems such as these will come in the form of Inlays and […]

]]>Like we mentioned in our previous article, your teeth will wear down sometimes as you get older. Problems such as cavities will occur when poor brushing habits or even just general wear and tear are involved. One of the most common solutions to problems such as these will come in the form of Inlays and Onlays.

Inlays are porcelain fabrications created in a lab to fix problems such as cavities in the center of your teeth. Onlays then are fabrications used to fix problems on the biting cusp of the teeth. Fillings such as amalgam are often used, but we recommend the usage of safer fillings because amalgam contains unsafe amounts of mercury. Inlays are great solutions to cavities because they maintain the structural integrity of your tooth, while allowing for an ease of cleaning that you wouldn’t get elsewhere.

]]>http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/03/21/inlays-and-onlays/feed/0Composite vs Porcelain Veneershttp://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/03/14/composite-vs-porcelain-veneers/
http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/03/14/composite-vs-porcelain-veneers/#respondThu, 14 Mar 2013 19:06:46 +0000http://cedarcliffdental.com/?p=2759As time goes on, we oftentimes find that our teeth wear down and discolor. Even if you had braces in the past, your teeth may not be as straight as they used to be. An easy solution that many of my patients prefer to these problems, is using veneers. Veneers are small custom made shells […]

As time goes on, we oftentimes find that our teeth wear down and discolor. Even if you had braces in the past, your teeth may not be as straight as they used to be. An easy solution that many of my patients prefer to these problems, is using veneers.

Veneers are small custom made shells that can be attached to the teeth in order to give teeth a straighter, whiter look. There are two primary types of veneers, Composite and Porcelain. Patients oftentimes have trouble deciding on what kind of veneers to get, so I’ll explain the basics of each one.

Composite veneers are created from tooth colored composites, and are applied directly onto teeth. Composite veneers are made directly by the dentist, which allows for cheaper costs. Composite veneers however, have a higher chance of staining and cannot make extreme changes to smiles. They are also more susceptible to cracking, but overall composite veneers are much cheaper than porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are a pricier but higher quality alternative to composites. Porcelain veneers are created by ceramists in laboratories, where they use ceramic materials to recreate a near perfect shell of the tooth. Porcelain veneers are more resistible to staining, and will be more resistant to breaking. They also look more natural, allowing you to be more confident in your smile. The only drawback to porcelain veneers then is that they are much more expensive as compared to composite veneers.

Ultimately, choosing the right veneer that fits your preferences is a decision that can greatly improve your confidence and smile. If you have any questions, feel free to stop by our office or call us at 651.454.9028

]]>http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/03/14/composite-vs-porcelain-veneers/feed/0Words From Our Hygienists: Oral Cancer Screening Part 2http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/01/28/words-from-our-hygienists-oral-cancer-screening-part-2/
http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/01/28/words-from-our-hygienists-oral-cancer-screening-part-2/#respondMon, 28 Jan 2013 21:24:22 +0000http://cedarcliffdental.com/?p=2744This is the second half to our Words from Our Hygienists blog detailing oral cancer detection. If you haven’t yet read the first part you can view it here! The Orascoptic DK three-in-one diagnostic kit includes a handheld LED light source that is battery-powered, transillumitator, and three interchangeable lighted mirror instruments. The DK oral lesion […]

]]>This is the second half to our Words from Our Hygienists blog detailing oral cancer detection. If you haven’t yet read the first part you can view it here! The Orascoptic DK three-in-one diagnostic kit includes a handheld LED light source that is battery-powered, transillumitator, and three interchangeable lighted mirror instruments. The DK oral lesion screening transillulmination instrument emits an intense, focused beam of light to help visualize. This instrument works with a mild acetic acid rinse that agitates the membranes of misplaced cells. It enlarges these cells and makes them more reflective to blue light. The abnormal cells will appear white, making them easier for clinicians to see. Performing the use of this product is similar to the ViziLite.

Overall, these three products raise the level of patient care by easily allowing the detection of oral abnormalities and even oral cancer. It is important to discover these abnormalities early so cancer can be caught before it spreads or even takes a patient’s life. These products are great when used correctly although they could have some possible downsides. For example, finding abnormal tissue areas could cause unnecessary alarm in patients when there are false positives. Discovering soft tissue abnormalities is extremely vital, whether it’s with the naked eye or using oral cancer screening device, in the fight against oral cancer. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Cedar Cliff Dental Center please call us at (651) 454-9028!

]]>http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/01/28/words-from-our-hygienists-oral-cancer-screening-part-2/feed/0Words From Our Hygienists: Oral Cancer Screeninghttp://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/01/25/words-from-our-hygienists-oral-cancer-screening/
http://cedarcliffdental.com/2013/01/25/words-from-our-hygienists-oral-cancer-screening/#respondFri, 25 Jan 2013 23:56:26 +0000http://cedarcliffdental.com/?p=2739There are many adjunctive diagnostic devices a clinician can use to help detect signs of oral cancer. Some of these devices include the VELscope Vantage, the ViziLite Plus with TBlue and the Orascoptic DK. Dental hygienists should learn how each adjunctive diagnostic device works and how the tests are performed. These intraoral devices are designed […]

]]>There are many adjunctive diagnostic devices a clinician can use to help detect signs of oral cancer. Some of these devices include the VELscope Vantage, the ViziLite Plus with TBlue and the Orascoptic DK. Dental hygienists should learn how each adjunctive diagnostic device works and how the tests are performed. These intraoral devices are designed to help clinicians’ spot lesions they may not detect with their naked eye. Detecting these lesions may lead to an earlier diagnosis of intraoral cancer. These devices seem great, but they could potentially have negative effects on treatment as well.

First, VELscope Vantage oral is a cancer screening system. This system assists dental professionals in the discovery of oral abnormalities such as trauma or disease. It’s a quick two minute system that works by using a blue-spectrum light that causes the soft tissues of the mouth to naturally fluoresce. Healthy tissues have a green fluorescence pattern verses abnormal tissues typically appears as an irregular dark area. This may helps clinicians see potential problems they wouldn’t have caught with the unassisted eye.

Next, ViziLite Plus with TBlue uses a chemiluminescent light source is another adjunct used to assist that can be used to help clinicians’ spot oral abnormalities. This device uses a blue phenothiazine dye, known as TBlue, which marks any lesions the light source finds. Any intraoral lesions have a deep blue stain that is clearly visible in normal lighting. To perform ViziLite Plus the patient uses the Pre-Rinse solution (1% acetic acid) for 30-60 seconds. Then bend the outer light stick, breaking brittle inner vial and vigorously shake. Then insert light stick into open end of retractor and assemble. Dim the lights in the room as much as possible. Then re-examine the oral cavity using ViziLite device with the retractor window facing the tissue being examined. Stay tuned for the second part of this blog on oral cancer screening! For more information contact Cedar Cliff Dental Center at (651) 454-9028!